Building industry active

By PETER ESILA
BUILDING and construction continues to be active, although much of the focus is in Port Moresby, says PNG Property Developers Association chairman Peter Aitsi.
“The larger commercial buildings have now been completed with the Steamships opening its K250 million Harbourside South last month,” Aitsi said.
Next door to the Harbourside South is the tallest building in PNG – the 23-storey Nobel Centre.
“The Nobel building is not owned by any of our members, and so we are not aware of what the developers are intending to do with the structure.
“We understand the building has not been commissioned because of significant faults and defects and as a result has stood vacant and unused for several years now.”
Asked on the concern of sub-standard products filling the market, Aitsi said: “There are smaller developers who have used cheaper and sub-standard quality materials, this is particularly evident in the residential properties and some recently completed multi-use structures popping up in Lae and Port Moresby.
“In the long run the tenants and owners will have to spend more money to rectify faults.”
He said a major issue facing developers in the country was the timely processing of documentation.
“Through government departments and authorities, such as the Department of Lands and building boards we have endeavoured to work with them to help improve the processes and make them more efficient.”
He said constant power supply remained an everyday issue for property owners.
“The association seeks to promote and help maintain standards and building codes in property developments and promote safety standards within the industry,” Aitsi said.
“The association draws its membership from major property developers who have long term investments in property and have a strong interest in growing the property market and promoting Papua New Guinean talent.
“The association seeks to make informed contributions to matters relating to property development such as legislative reform, building standards, urban planning, market affordability and liquidity,” the chairman said.